Spokane police believe pipe bomb was found outside Sacred Heart ER
SPOKANE, Wash Aug 24 2020— Spokane police said the suspicious device found out Providence Sacred Heart Hospital on Thursday night appears to be a pipe bomb.
A concerned citizen alerted Sacred Heart security about a potential pipe bomb just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, police said. The person had found the device in the area and, not knowing exactly what it was, brought it to the location to seek help.
Police said Sacred Heart security immediately recognized that the device may be dangerous and began cordoning off the area.
Patrol units with the Spokane Police Department responded, establishing and maintaining a perimeter around the public emergency room entrance. Bomb Squad also responded to scene and rendered the device safe.
Initial inspection of the device shows that it did appear to be a “relatively small pipe bomb,” police said. The device could have injured someone if it detonated in close proximity to them, but police said the hospital structure nor its occupants were in danger based on the size and type of the explosive.
Police said the investigation into what made the device and why is ongoing.
Police reminded people to avoid manipulating any suspicious objects they may find. Instead, they ask people to call 911 and try to keep others out of the area until first responders arrive.
